Locke's Essay Concerning Human Understanding (1690) and Thoughts Concerning Education (1693) both exerted a profound influence on educational and psychological theory during the eighteenth century and beyond. He argues against absolute monarchy in favor of government based on civil contract in Two Treatises of Government (1690). Some Thoughts Concerning Education (1693) also influenced the views on childrearing and education of a number of his eighteenth-century successors.

Scottish biographer, novelist, editor, and critic, as well as close friend, son-in-law, and biographer of Sir Walter Scott. He contributed to Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine and the Quarterly Review, editing the latter from 1825-1853. Among other works, he published a Life of Robert Burns in 1828 and is best remembered for his Memoirs of the Life of Sir Walter Scott (1837-8), which is considered as one of the great biographies in the English language.

A Jesuit priest who began missionary work in Abyssinia in 1625. Samuel Johnson's translated account of his travels, A Visit to Abyssinia was published in 1735.

A clergyman and friend to Samuel Richardson. He authored The Benevolence Incumbent on Us as Men and Christians (1746).

Titus Livius, one of the three great Roman historians, alongside Sallust and Tacitus, known as "Livy." His monumental History of Rome (c. 9-27 B.C.E.), spanning 142 books, influenced historical writing until well into the eighteenth century.

After inheriting her father's bookselling business, Lintot went into partnership with Samuel Richardson and withdrew from active management. She married Henry Fletcher (Fletcher, Henry, 1727?-1807 ), who was awarded a baronetcy in 1782.

English jeweler and dramatist. Lillo's most famous work, a domestic tragedy entitled The London Merchant (1731), depicted members of the middle class as the play's protagonists, rather than the typical royal or aristocratic heroes of the time.

Lewis was an actor at Covent Garden for the entirety of his career, performing there for 35 years. He was called “Gentleman Lewis” because of his refined acting style.

French translator of English poetry, particularly the works of Shakespeare, Young, Johnson, and Macpherson.

French novelist Alain Le Sage was also a prolific playwright. His major works include the Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane (1715), Le Diable Boiteux (1707), Le Bachelier de Salamanque (1736), and Histoire de Guzman d'Alfarache (1732), an adaptation of Vita del Picaro Guzman d‘Alfarache (1599-1604), by Mateo Alemán.